Bishop Ray’s Blog
Finding Meaning in Each Day
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Homily for Saint Camillus Reunion Mass
Read more: Homily for Saint Camillus Reunion MassGiven on September 7, 2025, at St. Camillus Church, Rockaway Beach, NY*** Updated November 24, 2025 Today, I’m praying for all of you gathered here for the Saint Camillus Reunion Mass. Some of you still live in the area, but many of you have traveled from a distance to be here. Thank you to all of you. Your presence is so very important to mark the special occasion: the coming together of people who love this parish, people who are connected to this parish, people who have an attachment to this parish. The four priests at the altar today have…
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Learning to Forgive – It takes a Lifetime!
Read more: Learning to Forgive – It takes a Lifetime!“To err is human; to forgive is divine” was written by Alexander Pope in a 1711 poem. I guess, perhaps, that is why we find it so very difficult to forgive those who have hurt us; sinned against us; humiliated us; and betrayed us. We are not God! God’s forgiveness is truly unconditional and without reservation. Catholics experience God’s forgiveness each time they approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Penance, and commonly known as Confession. Catholics believe that the priest, in the confessional, takes the place of Christ and so it is God, through the priestly ministry, who extends…
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My Brother’s Wife Is a Nun… Again!
Read more: My Brother’s Wife Is a Nun… Again!An unusual story! Let me explain. Maryan Callahan was born in Philadelphia and grew up in a very Catholic family. As a young girl she became familiar with the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known as the IHM’s. The Philadelphia branch of this community staffed many schools in that Archdiocese. Her desire to teach and serve in that order drew her to enter the IHM’s and begin her religious life. She taught in several of their schools and was a very dedicated worker for the community. After prayer and reflection, Maryan decided to leave her community…
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Retired From Administration, But Not from the Ministry
Read more: Retired From Administration, But Not from the MinistryAt the age of 75, bishops are mandated to submit their letter of resignation from administration directly to the Holy Father in Rome. For several years prior to sending my letter, I dreaded the thought. What would life be like without any administrative duties? How would I use my time? The fear of the unknown was abated by participating in a workshop entitled: Encore Priests, which prepares priests (and bishops) for this transition. I was quickly reminded that by the nature of the sacrament of Holy Orders, priests and bishops always have some form of ministry. The workshop, given by…
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